A delight and joy at having friends from afar

“YOU peng zi yuan fang lai, bu yi le hu” – is a popular saying by Confucius to express “delight and joy at having friends from afar”. It is the best one that I can use here to tell you what we have experienced yesterday as “old friends” came to visit.

Doug and Gwen hacking dropped in for a visit – all the way from Saskatchewan! WOW!

We first met in 1991 as I became the pastor of the small church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Doug and Gwen were there helping the church in every way possible. Doug served on the board of the church, with Gwen helping in everyway she could. That was the beginning of a friendship that is as bright today as it was way back 18 years ago – when we first bedded down in their living room that first night of our arrival in Yorkton.

Our direct contact with each other changed about 15 years ago was we were moved to another city with the ministry that we were called to. Over 15 years our meeting with each other has been once or twice – but only in larger settings where only a quick greeting was possible.

We now have two days together. Double WOW!

So much has happened since we last saw each other about 4 years ago and over the 15 years!!!
Doug completed his 25 year career with the RCMP as a police officer. In a series of unique twists and turns in his life he was directed to work and study the last three years at the Horizon College and Seminary in Saskatoon.

This next Sunday AM Doug will begin his new ministry as the Pastor of the Glaslyn Pentecostal Assembly, Glaslyn, Sask.

Yesterday and last evening we shared hundreds of stories and laughter with this great couple. What a journey we have each been on over the 18 years. It is an amazing journey – simply amazing.

As I watched them and listened to the amazing stories – I was warmed deeply inside with the old friendship from so long ago. Much has changed around each of us – but then nothing has changed at all.

Friendship does that. Friendship is deep and long lasting – it never dies. Even after a very long separation it is like time simply stood still – the friendship is still there and is re-ignited the minute that we see each other again.

Confucius’ expression YOU peng zi yuan fang lai, bu yi le hu” or “delight and joy at having friends from afar” is right on.

As I reflect back over the last 15 years of ministry and work that we both have gone through, there has been some very difficult times for each of us. But mixed with that has been the delights of all kinds, new friends for each of us from all over, and most of all the wonderful memories that have supported us so well.

As the four of us shared so many stories together, laughed long and deeply and listened closely – it was wonderful.

Reflections…
Early this morning as I thought of yesterday – I thought of heaven. Old men do that a lot you know. It is like a “soon to take place vacation” that is coming.

As I watched the sun rise today I thought of the delight that I am looking forward to as I leave this body.

Just like yesterday when Doug and Gwen arrived – the old friendship will spring alive when we see our old friends that have gone before us. Oh boy – there will be such a catch up time when we see our old friends and relatives that have died years ago.

I have so much that I would like to tell my dad about. I can’t wait to see my grandparents on both sides. Then there are my great parents and even more….

As we talked and talked and talked yesterday… I had a feeling that it was only a small taste of what heaven will be like.

I have to run. We have some tourist things to do today and so much more to talk about.

WOW!
Finally…
One of the things we did together yesterday was to spend some time beside Burliegh Falls – north of Peterborough. The water was high and rushed on… something like our lives together. But time stood still beside that mighty river. It was so much like our friendship – moving on with beauty that is fascinating.

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/